Wanted(54)

When she returned from her room, after slipping on her black bonnet and claiming her thick wool cape, Katie found yet another surprise waiting for her. Jonathan was pouring hot chocolate into a sturdy crock and fastening the lid on. “I thought we might enjoy this after our ride,” he mumbled somewhat clumsily.

He was trying so hard, trying so hard to make their trip special, that once again Katie felt flustered. “I’ll wrap the crock in towels to help ward out the cold. And maybe some cookies, too? We have jam thumbprint cookies left over from Sunday.”

He pulled out a basket. “I could never refuse those.”

“And maybe a sandwich and apples?” Katie couldn’t forget that he’d been up and out the door many hours before the sun.

“Anything is fine.”

After he left to hook up the wagon, Katie put together a haphazard picnic for two, gathered up her mittens, then picked up an extra scarf, just in case Jonathan hadn’t thought about keeping his neck warm.

When she finally joined Jonathan outside, she saw he already had the wagon prepared. Blacky was hitched up, thick blankets were already spread out on the seat, and the bed of the wagon was already organized. An ax with a thick oak handle lay on the floor as well.

“You sure got all of this together fast.”

Jonathan tucked his head. “I had hoped you would accompany me.”

In order not to embarrass him, she said the obvious. “Preparing for a project—any project—is a big job.”

“It is at that.”

After settling in, Jonathan clicked for Blacky to go forward. They were off, the wheels crunching over the ruts in the ground, then later crunching leaves, twigs, and fallen pine boughs. Around them, clumps of snow dotted rocks and shady areas, making all the colors of the woods seem brighter. A crisp pine scent filled the air, causing Katie to breathe in deeply. A cold breeze stung their cheeks as the horse gained speed. Katie did her best to burrow under the blankets. Jonathan scooted nearer, sharing his body’s warmth.

She looked his way shyly. He looked straight ahead, but she sensed he, also, was noticing the way their bodies brushed against each other as the wagon shifted and swayed. The way everything felt so right, to be sharing a blanket.

It was no exaggeration to say that this was the closest she’d ever been to Jonathan. Though inches of space and blankets did, indeed, separate the two of them, in her mind’s eye, they were practically pinned together. Katie couldn’t help but cast interested looks his way.

He had always been handsome to her eyes. His face was angular and solid looking. His beard was so light and soft that it always took her by surprise in the summer, when it seemed to fade against his golden tan. As always, his clear blue eyes made her think of a winter sky. He seemed terribly strong and stalwart and solemn, sitting next to her.

Of course, he’d always seemed that way. If Katie was honest—and she was trying hard to be, that was for sure—she could admit that never had Jonathan encouraged her. Never had he given her special smiles or an extra bit of attention.

He’d been polite and respectful. Whenever he came over to the inn, he’d spend most of his time talking with her parents or with Henry. If their paths did cross, he’d usually only nod to her.

A horrible, dark thought entered her head. Though they’d come far in their relationship, there was a chance it would never be the romantic, close one she’d longed for. What would she do, then?

She’d always wanted to be a wife and a mother. Would she be brave enough to set her sights on another man in the future? Would she ever be able to only think of Jonathan Lundy as a nice, pleasant neighbor who she’d helped for a time?

“Katie, I’ve never heard you so silent. Are you all right?”

“Of course I’m fine.”

“Not too cold?”

“No.”

“I can get you another blanket. Or we can turn back, if you’d like.”

“I can be quiet sometimes, just like you, Jonathan. I’m not always a chatterbox.” She hoped she sounded mature and upright. Maybe he would soon see her in a new light, too. “I’m happy to sit silently and admire the beauty that surrounds us.”

He glanced her way before replying. “Yes, God has given us beauty everywhere.”

Her pulse jumped. Just like that, all thoughts of being forever his friend vanished. Awareness filled the gap. “Um, what project are you thinking of? Can you tell me a bit about it?”

“I can. I need wood, you see. I intend to make Mary a keeping chest for Christmas. She’s a little young for it, but she’s been through so much, I think she will like it fine.”